Leeds Rhinos: Walker has no fears about being targeted by the opposition
Walker, 18, produced a man-of-the-match performance in Rhinos’ opening Betfred Super League win at Warrington Wolves.
That was only his 13th first team game and he already owns a Grand Final winner’s ring and is in line to face Melbourne Storm – featuring the sport’s best full-back Billy Slater – in the World Club Challenge in 11 days’ time.
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Hide AdRhinos have high hopes for the youngster, but his age and inexperience ensures opposing teams will put him under pressure, as Warrington did.
One of those kicks led to a late try – and a busted nose for Walker – but he expects to be challenged and reckons it is part of the job as a full-back.
“I got tested a couple of times with a few spiral bombs, but I coped well with it,” Walker said.
“That last one messed me up a bit and I was quite sore, but if teams target me, they target me.
“I am not really bothered, I will just get on with it.”
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Hide AdWalker was bare-headed in last week’s game, after wearing a scrum hat during all his previous appearances for Rhinos.
That was the legacy of an incident in 2013 when he suffered a fractured skull playing for Oulton Invaders under-14s.
Explaining his decision to dispense with the head gear, he admitted it was a “mental thing” and said: “I thought I’d give it a go and I felt all right with it.”
The 16-12 victory at Halliwell Jones Stadium – where they hadn’t won in any competition since 2011 – was a strong start to Rhinos’ title defence.
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Hide Ad“I am over the moon with how the boys performed,” Walker said.
“It was a massive effort, particularly in defence.
“When times got tough on our goalline, everyone put the work in and we ground out the victory.”